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The element aichill also occurs in Glenelly, at the head which Carnanelly stands. Patrick McKay suggests that the look-out point in both names may be the mountain of Carnanelly itself (DUPN).
Carnanelly is the 385th highest summit in Ireland.Trackback: http://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/

Picture from dr_banuska : The small cairn with Goles Forest behind and Lough Ouske in the distance

Picture: The small cairn with Goles Forest behind and Lough Ouske in the distance

dr_banuska on Carnanelly, 2009

by dr_banuska 19 Jul 2009

I did this one a couple of weekends ago with the dog, parking at Goles Forest just off the B47 Draperstown-Plumbridge road through the Glenelly Valley. For a Sunday there wasn't a single other car, nor did I meet anyone else all afternoon. I got the impression that it's largely only dedicated hillwalkers who use this forest/parking facility; the forest tracks are steep and not particularly enjoyable walks in their own right. Upon walking into the forest I initially took left where the track forks, origially planning to climb the lower peak of Slieveavaddy (486m) first. But after a prolonged downpour struck I gave up on this idea and headed back towards the car, frustrated. The rain finally eased off though and I decided to tackle Carnanelly directly, by taking the track heading right. This starts off gently but became increasingly steep and tough going, until I finally reached the point where it takes a sharp 90 degree angle into the middle of the forest (eventually descending via the other track I had attempted earlier). At this point I instead took right through a distinct clearing, which is marked on Discover Map 13 about H677931D. This was quite overgrown in parts but I pushed through, passing an old abandoned car (!) until I reached a fence . I crossed this and descended over a tiny stream that marks the boundary of the forest, and up again onto the welcome sight of open hillside. This was quite wet in parts with tiny, hidden creeks but it was a pretty easygoing, steady climb to the summit. The views on the ascent are excellent, over to the high peaks across the valley and down to the busy main road. As others have said the summit area is marked by rocky outcrops which were visible from the ascent - so more aesthetically pleasing than many other summits in the Sperrins (e.g. Mullaghbolig which I had climbed the previous day). While it was still pretty overcast the view was impressive: southeast to Slieve Gallion with its transmitter and Lough Fea, with Lough Neagh beyond. The small Lough Ouske could be seen slightly to the northeast, and even the distinctive rounded profile of Slemish off in the distance. I then made my way east along the fence down to the small cairn, which provided a degree of temporary shelter from the wind and slight drizzle. If it hadn't been for the poor weather I might have attempted neighbouring Mullaghabane but was happy to call it a day. I chose an unusual method of descent, crossing the fence and heading straight down through the forest rather than skirting back to the west or to the east. I wouldn't really recommend this idea as it quickly becomes disorientating and at one point I fell into a hidden drop and found myself covered in peat! Also, when I finally met up with the main track it seemed like I had saved little if any time. All in all though, an enjoyable climb and one of my more memorable excursions in the Sperrins. Trackback: http://mountainviews.ie/summit/338/comment/3944/